Dallas, Texas – Texas Comptroller Don Huffines (R‑TX) asked President Donald Trump, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to conduct a comprehensive audit of every state and local government agency in Texas. The request follows an internal review that uncovered possible deficiencies in the handling of federal Form I‑9 records, which could expose taxpayers to more than $5 million in civil penalties.
Audit request rooted in taxpayer‑first philosophy
Huffines, a former Dallas‑area state senator who assumed the comptroller’s office on August 1 after Governor Greg Abbott’s appointment, announced the audit push three days later. He framed the effort as part of his “Taxpayer First Project,” a statewide initiative aimed at identifying and correcting financial missteps that could burden Texas families.
“If 90 days of auditing found this in one agency, Texans should ask what is sitting in all the others,” Huffines said in the release. By involving ICE, the comptroller hopes to leverage federal expertise to ensure that all government employers are complying with both federal I‑9 requirements and Texas’s own E‑Verify mandate.
Potential penalties and the scope of the problem
The comptroller’s office estimates that the identified issues could generate at least $5 million in federal civil penalties. The figure is based on a preliminary internal calculation; the office did not disclose how many employee records are affected or whether any workers lack proper work authorization.
According to the release, the problems may date back two decades, affecting the way the agency completed, verified, and retained I‑9 documentation. While the federal system cross‑checks information from the form against government records, Texas law also requires state agencies to use E‑Verify for new hires. No specific findings about the agency’s E‑Verify usage were provided.
Independent investigation and cooperation with federal partners
To address the gaps, the comptroller’s office hired independent outside counsel to investigate the matter. Huffines said the agency is already taking corrective steps and will accept any penalties it deems legitimate.
By requesting ICE audits, the comptroller is aligning state oversight with federal immigration enforcement, a move that underscores the administration’s commitment to lawful hiring practices and the protection of taxpayer dollars.
Political context and upcoming transition
The audit request comes as the office prepares for a leadership change. State Senator Sarah Eckhardt (D‑Austin) is slated to succeed Huffines in January, following her victory in Tuesday’s election, according to unofficial returns reported by The Dallas Express.
While the transition is pending, Huffines emphasized that the audit initiative is a nonpartisan effort to safeguard Texas’s finances. He noted that early findings suggest some government employees may have been aware of the lapses and concealed them, though the release did not name individuals or provide detailed evidence.
What this means for Texans
For families and businesses across the Lone Star State, the comptroller’s proactive stance signals a dedication to fiscal responsibility and legal compliance. By seeking federal assistance, Texas aims to close any loopholes that could lead to costly penalties, ensuring that state resources remain focused on essential services rather than unnecessary fines.
As the investigation proceeds, the comptroller’s office will continue to update the public on findings and corrective actions, reinforcing transparency and accountability in state government operations.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
